Originally Posted by Engine

Did Carolyn Chute exploit / stereoptype / ridicule an entire segment of Maine's population when she wrote The Beans Of Egypt, Maine? I don't think so. In fact, I feel that that her scarred characters are beautiful representations of a particular reality. Chute is a Mainer and I don't know what she experienced but I trust her imagination in regards to incestuous Maine rednecks. And I extend the same courtesy to Will Oldham. I don't know if his sister is also his mother but regardless he has the ability to reach into the minds of his characters. Even though I don't know his background it is intriguing to hear about how Will ****ed his sister, just as it is intriguing to hear that Eminem killed his girlfriend and put her body in his trunk, and sometimes my intrigue is all that matters.

But, no, I don't personally feel that Oldham is guilty of exploiting or stereotyping and certainly not of ridiculing anybody. In the end, I sense mostly love. Also, most of this discussion should only revolve around There Is No-One... because I think that album is his most raw, youthful work and I think that his lyrics have become increasingly personal ever since.